Colts owner seeks treatment following arrest

GM: Irsay's absence not changing Colts plans

Attorney James Voyles, center left, and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, center right, leave the Hamilton County Jail in Indianapolis, Monday, March 17, 2014. Irsay was released from jail Monday after being held overnight following a traffic stop in which police said he failed sobriety tests and had multiple prescription drugs inside his vehicle. Irsay was pulled over late Sunday after he was spotted driving slowly near his home in suburban Carmel, stopping in the roadway and failing to use a turn signal. (AP Photo/Alan Petersime)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The family of Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday that he has placed himself in a treatment facility after police found multiple prescription drugs in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

The 54-year-old Irsay, who acknowledged a painkiller dependency more than a decade ago, faces preliminary charges of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and four felony counts of possession of a controlled substance. He was arrested near his home in suburban Carmel late Sunday and released the next day.

''Yesterday, Jim Irsay took the first step toward regaining good health,'' the family said in the statement released by the Colts. ''He voluntarily checked into a highly-respected health care facility and is committed to undergoing the treatment and care necessary to help him meet his challenges head-on. Jim, the Irsay family and the Colts organization are all deeply appreciative of the incredible outpouring of support and compassion from our fans and the Indiana community.''

Colts spokesman Avis Roper said the comments came from Irsay's family and he had no further information. Myra Borshoff Cook, a spokeswoman for Irsay, declined comment.

If Irsay is charged and convicted on the felony counts, he could face six months to three years in prison on each count. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Andre Miksha said Monday that no decision had been made on formal charges and a hearing was set for March 26.

An NFL spokesman said Irsay is subject to discipline but didn't elaborate on what that might be.